Morzine

The Morzine ski area

A strong appeal of Morzine is that it’s part of the vast Portes du Soleil ski region which boasts over 600km of slopes.

Morzine itself is sat at a low altitude, which often means that snow in the town itself and on the lower slopes can be thin on the ground – especially if you’re travelling early or late in the season.

Intermediate skiers will be in their element here, as there is a wide expanse of blue and red runs that dominate the area. For those seeking a challenge, the black runs off Pointe de Nyon and Chamossière promise a thrilling descent.

I’d recommend heading over to Avoriaz for a greater range of ski slopes, as well as parks for the freestyle skiers. With a network of modern, efficient lifts, the entire ski area is easily accessible.

What lift pass do I need?

Morzine-Les Gets Pass: This pass covers the Morzine and Les Gets ski areas, which are directly connected. It’s suitable for beginners and those who are content with staying within these areas.

Portes du Soleil Pass: This is the comprehensive pass covering all 12 interconnected resorts in the Portes du Soleil region, including Morzine, Avoriaz, Les Gets, Chatel, and others stretching across France and Switzerland.
It’s best for intermediate and advanced skiers or snowboarders, those on longer trips, or those who want the flexibility to explore a vast terrain.

Avoriaz Only Pass: This pass is specific to the Avoriaz area, which is directly above Morzine and offers more high-altitude skiing.

Pedestrian Pass: For those not skiing or snowboarding but wanting to use the lifts, perhaps to meet others for lunch on the mountain or simply enjoy the views. It’s best for non-skiers/snowboarders, families, or those taking a break from skiing.

Season Pass: You can get a season pass for either the Morzine-Les Gets area or the entire Portes du Soleil. This is valid for the entire ski season. Ideal for regular visitors, locals, or those on an extended trip or season.

Family Passes: Both Morzine-Les Gets and Portes du Soleil offer family passes, which can be more economical if you’re travelling with children.

Best ski runs

“Le Pléney” (Morzine): A classic blue run, perfect for warming up in the morning. It’s wide, well-groomed, and offers stunning views as you descend into Morzine.

“Chamois” (Les Gets): A scenic red run that meanders through the trees. It offers a good mix of terrains, making it enjoyable for both intermediate and advanced skiers.

“Pas de Chavanette” or “The Swiss Wall” (Swiss side near Avoriaz): Infamous for its steepness and huge moguls, this is one of the most challenging runs in the Portes du Soleil and has earned a bit of a reputation. If you don’t fancy the challenge, you can get the chairlift down the slope – the perfect viewing point for watching the attempts of others to conquer the slope!

“Les Marmottes” (Chatel): A gentle blue run that’s ideal for beginners and those looking to cruise. It’s often less crowded than other blue runs in the area, providing a serene skiing experience.

“Le Stash” (Avoriaz): Not a traditional piste, but an eco-friendly snowpark built entirely from natural materials. It’s a must-visit for freestyle enthusiasts looking for something different.

Off-piste and backcountry

Morzine and the expansive Portes du Soleil ski region offer a blend of terrains that cater to off-piste and backcountry enthusiasts. The varied landscapes range from tree runs to open powder fields and couloirs, with many of these off-piste areas easily accessible via the main lift system.

The neighbouring resort of Avoriaz, with its higher altitude, often supplements the off-piste offerings, especially after a fresh snowfall. However, potential off-piste skiers should be aware that Morzine’s popularity can mean that fresh tracks are quickly carved up during peak times.

Snow park

In Morzine itself, the Nyon-Chamossière area sometimes has a modest snowpark, suitable for those looking to practise their skills without venturing too far. Although it is popular with ski schools.

The real freestyle draw is in the neighbouring resort of Avoriaz which has several snowparks, including:

The Stash: An innovative and eco-friendly park, The Stash is a creation of Burton Snowboards. Set within the Lindarets forest, it offers a unique freestyle experience using natural wooden features.

Chapelle Park: Located near the Proclou and Super Morzine lifts, this park is great for both beginners and intermediates. It has a variety of jumps, rails, and boxes.

Arare Park: Suited for more advanced freestylers, this park, located next to the Arare lift, boasts larger jumps and more challenging features.

Beginners and ski-school

Morzine itself is reasonably good for beginners and I’d recommend heading to Le Pléney for some beginner-friendly pistes. There are a number of excellent ski schools in Morzine for those just starting out or looking to hone their skills:

ESF (Ecole du Ski Français): The largest ski school in France, ESF has a significant presence in Morzine. They offer group lessons, private lessons, and children’s classes.

British Alpine Ski School (BASS): Known for its English-speaking instructors, BASS is popular among British tourists and offers both group and private lessons tailored for beginners.

Mint Snowboarding: For those looking to learn snowboarding, Mint offers English-speaking lessons and has a strong reputation for its fun and effective teaching methods.

New Generation: Another English-speaking ski school, New Generation offers a variety of lessons for beginners, from group classes to private tuition.

Freedom 2 Ski: This school prides itself on its personalised approach and offers beginner lessons with a focus on individual progression.

Reach Your Peak: Known for its small group sizes and private lessons, it’s a good choice for those who want a more tailored learning experience.